Metabolic HealthLiver Support Systems Show No Clear Survival Benefit in Acute Liver Failure
This Cochrane systematic review pooled data from 11 randomized clinical trials involving 681 adults with acute liver failure (ALF) to evaluate whether artificial or bioartificial liver support systems improve survival and other outcomes when added to standard care. Results showed no statistically significant benefit on 28-day mortality, overall mortality, serious adverse events, liver transplantation rates, hepatic encephalopathy, or multi-organ failure. All evidence was rated very low certainty due to high risk of bias, small sample sizes, and significant heterogeneity. The authors conclude that current evidence is insufficient to support or refute the use of liver support systems in ALF, and no ongoing trials were identified.
